North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is actively participating in Children’s Dental Health Month this February. The initiative aims to promote oral health among children, their parents, caregivers, and educators. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay remains the most prevalent chronic disease among children in the United States, affecting more than half of those aged 6-8 years.
The HHS Oral Health Program is addressing this issue through various means including prevention, education, and a school-based sealant program known as SEAL!ND. This program collaborates with public health dental hygienists, private dental professionals, and Federally Qualified Health Centers to provide essential services such as oral health education, dental screenings, sealants, and fluoride varnish treatments to numerous children across North Dakota.
During the 2023-2024 school year alone, SEAL!ND managed to screen 3,070 students, apply fluoride varnish 5,006 times, protect 8,531 teeth with dental sealants, and make 1,817 referrals for further treatment. “Schools are an ideal place to reach children, teachers and caregivers,” said Toni Hruby, HHS oral health prevention coordinator. “Through collaboration with external partners, we are able to expand our reach and serve more children.”
Additionally within HHS’s framework is North Dakota Medicaid which supports children’s dental health through its Health Tracks benefit. This program covers various dental care needs such as exams, cleanings, x-rays, sealants and fluoride treatments for enrolled children without copays for qualifying families.
HHS also offers several tips for maintaining good oral hygiene: brushing teeth twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste; flossing daily; eating a balanced diet; drinking tap water while limiting sugary drinks; avoiding tobacco products; replacing toothbrushes every three to four months or after illness; and consulting dentists about fluoride varnish and sealants for cavity prevention.
Residents of North Dakota are encouraged by HHS not only to follow these daily practices but also schedule annual checkups with dentists. More information on oral health can be found at hhs.nd.gov/health/oral-health-program while details about applying for North Dakota Medicaid are available at hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp.
